Organized on the occasion of the celebration of the 49th anniversary of the Glorious Green March and Independence Day, this event, unique of its kind on a continental and Arab scale, aims to raise public awareness of importance of care and cognitive stimulation during the first 1,000 days of children’s lives.
Initiated by the Media, Training and Technological Development Center of Essaouira, in partnership with the prefecture of the province of Essaouira, the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), the provincial delegation of Health and Social protection and other institutional partners, this sporting event is part of an approach aimed at highlighting the crucial importance of early childhood in the overall development of cherubs, by promoting their social, physical and cognitive skills.
In front of a packed house with more than 1,000 spectators, including families, children and local personalities, around forty infants took part in this unique competition.
Parents, competing in ingenuity and creativity, used various objects, such as toys, cell phones, colorful balloons and other accessories, to encourage their children to crawl to the finish line, all in an atmosphere full of joy, enthusiasm and tenderness.
At the end of this competition, which took place in three successive rounds during which the babies competed in captivating races, three infants stood out for their determination and speed, thus winning the first places on the podium.
A festive ceremony to award medals and symbolic rewards was organized at the end of the events to celebrate the performance of these “champions of innocence”, to the cheers of a conquered crowd.
In a statement to MAP on this occasion, the provincial delegate of Health and Social Protection, Zakaria Aït Lahcen, stressed that this unprecedented sporting event is fully within the framework of the objectives of the national awareness campaign. importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, launched last May by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in partnership with the INDH.
In this vein, he noted that the first 1,000 days of life constitute a critical period in the development of the child, where the foundations of his future health and well-being are established, noting that this period is decisive for cognitive stimulation and the physical and emotional development of the child.
“This competition offers a valuable opportunity to encourage infants to interact with their environment, while being an innovative approach to optimally stimulate the development of the child’s nervous system, particularly crucial during the first stages of growth. “, explained Mr. Aït Lahcen.
For his part, Youssef El Mourih, president of the Center organizing the event, highlighted the importance of this initiative, specifying that the main objective of the competition is to raise public awareness of the importance of investment. in early childhood.
In a similar statement, Mr. El Mourih expressed his pride in seeing such an event take shape in Essaouira, noting that it is “a moment which not only allows us to celebrate the development of children, but also to promote the inclusion of all categories of children, including those with disabilities.
Approached by the MAP, parents praised this unique initiative, welcoming its role in strengthening family ties and highlighting the importance of the first years of children’s lives.
How does early childhood development impact long-term educational outcomes for children?
Interview: The Importance of Early Childhood Development Through Community Engagement
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amira Benali, a renowned expert in early childhood development. Dr. Benali, welcome, and thank you for joining us!
Dr. Amira Benali: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the significance of early childhood development and how community events like the one we just witnessed in Essaouira play a vital role.
Editor: That’s a perfect segue! The recent event was organized to raise awareness about the importance of cognitive stimulation during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Can you explain why this period is so crucial?
Dr. Benali: Absolutely! The first 1,000 days—from conception to age two—are critical for brain development. During this time, a child’s brain forms over one million neural connections per second. Proper stimulation can greatly enhance cognitive, emotional, and physical development during this phase. Community awareness and support are crucial in ensuring children receive the right stimuli.
Editor: It sounds like a community-based approach is essential. This event attracted over 1,000 spectators, including families and local personalities. What role do community events play in fostering early childhood development?
Dr. Benali: Community events are instrumental! They not only engage parents and caregivers but also create a supportive environment where they can share resources, ideas, and creative practices. Additionally, events like these stress the importance of collective efforts in nurturing children. It’s also a fantastic way to make learning playful and enjoyable, as we saw with the crawling competition!
Editor: Speaking of the competition, parents used various objects to encourage their children to crawl. How can such playful interactions impact a child’s development?
Dr. Benali: Play is fundamental to a child’s growth! It’s through play that children explore their environment, develop motor skills, and learn about social interactions. The use of diverse objects encourages sensory experiences and cognitive engagement, promoting problem-solving skills and creativity. This kind of playful interaction stimulates both physical and cognitive growth.
Editor: After the races, there was a awards ceremony to honor the “champions of innocence.” How important is it to celebrate children’s achievements, regardless of how small?
Dr. Benali: Celebrating children’s achievements, no matter how small, fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. It teaches children the value of effort and perseverance. Events like these not only highlight individual success but also reinforce the idea that the community values and supports children’s developmental journeys.
Editor: Zakaria Aït Lahcen, the provincial delegate of Health and Social Protection, mentioned this event is part of a national awareness campaign for early childhood. How can such collaborations between sectors enhance developmental initiatives?
Dr. Benali: Collaborations among various sectors—health, education, and social services—are essential for a comprehensive approach to child development. By working together, these sectors can pool resources, share expertise, and create multifaceted programs that address the diverse needs of children and families. This ensures a holistic approach to early childhood development that can lead to long-lasting benefits.
Editor: Dr. Benali, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that events like the one in Essaouira are not just celebrations but important catalysts for change in early childhood development.
Dr. Benali: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this vital topic. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of our children.